Bruno Paillard : Cuvée 72

The NV Extra Brut Cuvée 72 is a solera-style blend that sees three years of aging in bottle and then another three years in bottle post-disgorgement, prior to being released. Creamy, resonant and expressive, the Cuvée 72 presents lovely notes of pear, dried flowers, mint, spice and pastry. Disgorged: March 2020.

Boasting a bright golden/straw color, the NV Champagne Cuvée 72 Extra Brut is the same base wine as the Première Cuvée but aged for an additional three years in the cellar following disgorgement, for a total of six years aging prior to release (or, as the name suggests, 72 months). The nose offers more complexity and depth by comparison, revealing aromas of orange marmalade, toasted hazelnut, croissant, honeycomb, and apricot. It fills the palate with a full-bodied richness, a pillowy mousse, and a delicate, savory flourish of salted praline on the finish and back palate. It delivers wonderful intensity and depth throughout and shows how this cuvée can certainly benefit from cellaring. Drink 2024-2032. Disgorged March 2020.

This cuvée perfectly embodies the Maison’s core philosophy, subtly echoed in the "Première Cuvée". 36 months of ageing on lees are followed by a further 36 months of patience after disgorgement. 36+36=72. A confident golden profile expressing blond-to-yellow fruit as delicious marmalade, frangipane, and highly floral honeyed notes. Citrus and spices are vivid and precisely crystallize the core of the nose. The palate is silky with a clear, axial tension; the finish unites saline nuances and rich, rounded bitters—ideal with well-prepared white meat.

This is same blend as Paillard's Première Cuvée but with longer bottle aging before release. The result is a Champagne that has a toasty edge and honeyed flavors to balance the citrus and white floral aroma. Drink the wine now.